Farm Raised | Farm Proud: Kyle Patterson, District 7

Farm Raised | Farm Proud: Kyle Patterson, District 7

Kyle Patterson represents counties in district 7 on the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Committee. Counties in his district include Orange, Brevard, Osceola, Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Martin.

Patterson grew up in Christmas, a small town in Orange County. He became involved in agriculture at a young age by joining his local 4-H club. “I grew up in 4-H and FFA showing steers and heifers,” he said.

“I also worked at my grandfather’s horse stable.” Patterson started raising cattle when he was ten years old, showing at the local fair. “I started my herd when I was working cows with my grandfather and I took in an orphan calf and bottle-fed her,” he said.

The summer of his 15th year Patterson worked for a local rancher and instead of paying him in monetary value, he gifted him a heifer calf, which he still has today. “She has had 15 calves and is still going strong,” Patterson mentioned.

Patterson developed a passion for raising and showing cattle and he started his own Simmental herd. Today, Patterson resides in Fort Pierce, FL. with his wife, Alisha, and their two children, Kole and Kinsley. Patterson currently serves on the board of directors for the St. Lucie County Farm Bureau.

“My wife and I have a registered Simmental herd and a commercial herd. We raise show cattle for the youth to show at their local fairs as well as prospect shows. I also help local ranchers manage their cattle herds,” he said.

Kyle and Alisha enjoy being members actively involved in Farm Bureau at the state and local level especially because it provides a platform for them to share their passion for agriculture. “I like being involved in Farm Bureau because they share the same Christian beliefs as I do,” he mentioned.

Every year during the local fair, a special “buyers dinner” takes place. Kyle explained that, “it is a way for me to educate buyers as well as show appreciation to them for supporting the youth.”

The Pattersons would like to instill in their children the same passion for agriculture that they share so that they always know where their food comes from and the hard work comes from the people who provide it.